There’s nothing wrong with using stats and rankings to make a point. To be fair, context matters — but it has to matter both ways. You can’t say one league is clearly superior and then ignore those same indicators when they don’t suit the comparison.

Picking and choosing the facts

If someone claims the Norwegian league sits 14 places above the SPFL (and admits they might be wrong), that’s their starting point. Fine. But when we compare two keepers and one plays in a league labelled 25th while the other is in a league labelled 10th, it feels odd to conclude they’re "similar" purely because both are second-tier. Tier is one thing. Quality within a tier is another. You can’t treat rankings as gospel one minute and shrug them off the next.

What actually should shift your view

When comparing players, think beyond a single number. Consider the standard of the league, the level of opposition, playing style, and sample size. A second-tier in one country can be markedly stronger than a second-tier elsewhere. So yes, league rank matters, but so do the details around how a player performs inside that environment.

Keep it consistent — and honest

Use rankings as a tool, not a trump card. If you’re going to argue the Norwegian league is better than the SPFL, then accept the consequences when those rankings suggest a player from Norway should be rated higher. Equally, if you think the Championship is better than Bundesliga 2 because it sits above it in a ranking, say so and explain why that would change your judgement on a player. Otherwise it comes across as cherry-picking.

Truth is, these debates are rarely black and white. But if we want useful discussion — whether on forums or in a Rangers News Views thread — then consistency and a few more specifics would make the arguments a lot stronger. Am I the only one who notices the double standards here?

Written by Boy blue 4: 1 June 2026

Tags: squad